Tourist attractions to clean up with €3m fund announced by Minister Hogan

A €3m spruce-up to boost tourist attractions has been unveiled by Environment Minister Phil Hogan.

The Public Area Enhancement scheme will see counties Dublin and Cork get €105,000 each, with Cork City receiving a further €90,000 to aid improvements to parks and campaigns to clean up the streets.

Mr Hogan said he hoped the money would improve tourist business for areas hit by storms.

“So far, 2014 has been a challenging year for local authorities in terms of managing their public spaces due to the exceptionally inclement weather conditions we have experienced, and I know that towns and cities across the country will be hoping for another very successful tourist season this year, following on from the success of Gathering Ireland in 2013,” said Mr Hogan. “This additional, once-off fund is being provided to support local authorities’ efforts to prepare and maintain their public areas in an effort to maximise the economic benefits that can flow from increased visitors.”

Local authorities have to come up with funds of 25% to access the money, which must go on already-planned projects.

Co Galway will also get €105,000, while €90,000 each will go to Kerry, Wexford, Limerick, Clare, Kilkenny, South Tipperary and Galway City. North Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick city, Carlow, and Waterford City will each get €70,000.